Paris Motor Show 2024 Live: Dacia Bigster Hybrid looks like an ultimate bargain

As part of the Renaulution strategy, group company Dacia unveiled a 5-year business plan in January 2021 which included the announcement of the Dacia Bigster concept – a C-segment SUV which will see the budget-conscious brand sell its most expensive product to date.

Here at the Paris Motor Show 2024, I got a chance to experience the production model of the Dacia Bigster first-hand. The following are my observations.

Design

The Dacia Bigster brings a robust design to the C-SUV segment, staying true to Dacia’s values of practicality and simplicity.

While it certainly looks bold and sturdy, the Bigster features clean, geometric lines that highlight its durability and functionality. The wide, gloss black grille with Dacia’s signature “Dacia Link” badge endows it with a solid, recognizable appearance.

I have to say that the two-tone body color and 19-inch wheels on higher trims have both ruggedness and style. Dacia has also focused on sustainability with the use of Starkle, a recycled material used for body protection and bumpers, designed to handle rough environments.

When I interfaced with it, Starkle felt slightly coarse, and it is practical for scratches and chips in narrow city lanes and trolleys at the shopping mall lot. Nearly 20% of the Bigster’s plastics come from recycled materials.

What I feel is that the design will appeal to those who value utility without compromising much on styling, making the Bigster a standout among the Tiguans, CR-Vs, and the RAV4s of the world.

Interior

Inside, the Dacia Bigster is just about space and comfort. While the Duster is also off-road minded, the Bigster feels more like a tourer. It gets a high-mounted dashboard, with digital displays that range from 7 to 10 inches depending on the trim.

The layout focuses on functionality, with geometric shapes that complement the exterior design. Dacia says that passengers will enjoy best-in-class headroom and legroom, making long journeys comfortable for both front and rear-seat occupants. The rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 ratio, allowing for more cargo space when the need arises.

Additionally, the 667-liter boot provides ample room for luggage, ideal for family trips or outdoor activities. Options like a panoramic sunroof in higher trims will no doubt add a premium feel to the cabin.

What I also learned here at the Paris Motor Show was that Dacia is not looking at adding a third row of seats in the Bigster. It is focused on selling the 5-seat version for the signature Dacia value, directing customers to the Dacia Jogger if they need for extra seating.

My experience inside the Dacia Bigster

Getting into the Dacia Bigster was easy, thanks to its high ground clearance and wide-opening doors. Once seated, it’s clear this car is built to a budget—the grey and black plastics in the cabin don’t feel premium, although the fit and finish are decent. The materials could be better, but that’s part of the Bigster’s appeal: keeping costs down to avoid competing with pricier European crossovers.

The seats provide adequate lumbar and under-thigh support, and the center armrest is comfortable. However, headroom is a bit tight for a six-footer like me. The piano-style keys for the air conditioning feel basic but are functional. The screens and other interior features are practical, clearly prioritizing cost-efficiency over luxury.

In the rear, there’s plenty of legroom and knee room for tall passengers, though the headroom is slightly affected by the large panoramic sunroof. While two adults can sit comfortably in the back, three would feel cramped due to the central tunnel and rear AC vent. On the plus side, the large windows and rear quarter glass allow plenty of light, enhancing the sense of space.

Overall, while the material quality could be improved, the Bigster’s focus on affordability and practicality makes it a solid choice for those seeking a spacious, budget-friendly crossover. It’s a deliberate move by Dacia to disrupt the C-segment market, catering to buyers who value space and functionality over premium materials.

Specifications

The Dacia Bigster offers two electrified powertrain options. The HYBRID 155, with a system power of 153 bhp, pairs a 107 bhp gasoline engine with two electric motors. The company says that particularly in city driving, this variant can operate in electric mode for up to 80% of the time.

The ‘traditional’ electrified option is the TCe 130 4×4 features a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine, with a mild-hybrid system, linked up to an all-wheel-drive setup. Both options are equipped with Dacia’s Terrain Control system and hill descent control.

Production

Dacia has confirmed that it will manufacture the Bigster at its Mioveni factory in Romania from 2025. Commenting on the Romanian production announcement of the upcoming flagship model, Bordeanu said:

Dacia has entered a new phase of its evolution and is preparing to approach the C-segment, relying on the same strengths that have contributed to the current success of the brand: the concern to meet the expectations of customers, offering them what is essential, at the best service /price ratio.

Mihai Bordeanu, Managing Director for South Eastern Europe and Country Head for Romania, Dacia (March 17, 2023)

Dacia Bigster Electric version 8-9 years away

The Bigster will go all-electric after the Sandero and Duster, “sometime in 2032-2033,” Le Vot said during a discussion with four Romanian journalists, as per a report AutoExpert published on October 16, 2022. The timeline indicated that the Bigster will get a pure-electric powertrain in its second generation. Even then, the Bigster should be available with an internal combustion engine option, as many markets outside Europe may continue to allow the sale of thermal vehicles.

Not a 5-star Euro NCAP model in the making

Dacia Jogger product manager Andreea Guinea had told Autocar that while Dacia is all for increasing passenger safety, it’s not chasing Euro NCAP stars. Securing a 5-star Euro NCAP rating means including advanced electronics, sensors, and cameras in the car, which can jack up the prices to where the brand loses what it stands for – affordability. The third-gen Duster has recorded a 3-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, and while the pricier Dacia Bigster could be safer, we don’t expect a 5-star rating.

Price & Release Date

The Dacia Bigster is expected to start at under GBP 30,000 in the UK, making it one of the most affordable vehicles in the C-SUV segment. The initial lineup includes three trims: Expression, Extreme, and Journey. Even the basic Expression trim comes with features like dual-zone air conditioning, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The top-end Journey, which includes goodies like 19-inch wheels, two-tone paint, and an electric tailgate, is likely to cost around GBP 35,000. The Bigster will hit European dealers later next year, with pre-orders expected to open earlier in the year.

TopElectricSUV says

I see the Bigster as a tempting upgrade for second-gen Duster customers who want a bigger, more family-friendly SUV but find the VW Tayron or existing options like the Kia Sportage and Nissan X-Trail expensive. The no-frills model is sticking to the basics in a bid to offer excellent value for money. The vehicle has the potential to be one of Europe’s best-selling SUVs.

Dacia Bigster Hybrid FAQs